What you need to know for Oktoberfest 2026

In 2026, it will be that time again and over 6 million visitors from all over the world will storm the Oktoberfest in Munich! Then, waiters will once again be pushing up to 18 beer measures through the rows of tents, the smell of roasted almonds and fresh grilled chicken will fill the air and visitors will be singing “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit”. But even when planning a visit to the Oktoberfest, there can be a few slip-ups. For example, booking a hotel room for the Oktoberfest too late and having to pay top prices shortly before the Wiesn. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced Wiesn-goer, if you want to avoid long queues in front of the beer tents, fashion faux pas and other “planning mistakes”, you’ll find essential tips and answers to frequently asked questions for a successful Oktoberfest visit in 2026 here.

 

 

When is the Oktoberfest 2026?

Oktoberfest 2025 starts on time on Saturday, September 19, at noon and ends on Sunday, October 4, 2026. We have explained why Oktoberfest starts in September and not in October, as well as the history of the Wiesn, in our blog post “Why is Oktoberfest in September?” clarified.

 

When to visit the Oktoberfest 2026?

The Wiesn tapping ceremony, when the mayor taps the first barrel of beer(September 19, 2026, 12 noon) and the Wiesn closing ceremony, when the Wiesn bids farewell with firecrackers and a sea of sparklers, are absolute highlights and well worth seeing. There are also several other special events such as the Italian Weekend, the Wiesn church service, the legendary Gay Sunday or the “Prosecco Wiesn” in the Fischer-Vroni marquee, which are well worth a visit. The exact Wiesn program for 2026 we have compiled for you.If you want a little less hustle and bustle, a visit to the Oktoberfest during the week (and especially in daylight) is your best chance of securing your place in the beer tent. A table reservation for 2026 is the easiest way to make sure you get a popular spot in the tent and avoid annoying, long queues at the tent entrance (or not getting a seat despite a long wait).

 

How much budget to plan for Oktoberfest 2026?

Admission to the Oktoberfest grounds is generally free of charge, so your budget will of course depend on your drinking strength, eating and sleeping preferences and whether you are planning any wild Oktoberfest attractions (for yourself or your children). Roughly speaking, however, it can be said that a large part of the costs can be avoided by booking a place to sleep well in advance. We recommend booking a hotel room or similar at least 3-4 months in advance.
The price of beer is expected to be between €13.60 and €15.30 per pint, similar to 2024, depending on the tent. For meals, you can expect to spend between 7 – 30 euros for meals of all types and sizes. Half an Oktoberfesthendl will cost you around 12 euros. For souvenirs (such as the popular dancing chicken hat) and attractions, you can add quite a bit more.So it’s better to take too much than too little, because the last thing you want to do is give up your spot to go hunting for an ATM. If you want to avoid this, it should again be noted that a table reservation solves this problem.

 

What do I do as a vegetarian?

Vegetarians will have no problem discovering at least as delicious meat-free Wiesn delicacies (despite the aroma of roast chicken and Steckerlfisch). You should definitely try the popular Allgäu cheese spaetzle, sauerkraut potato noodles or delicious Kaiserschmarrn for dessert. There are also plenty of options for vegans at Oktoberfest: in 2019, for example, the Herzkasperl festival tent served celeriac schnitzel with potato lamb’s lettuce or soy medallions in dark beer and onion sauce with potato dumplings and apple red cabbage. You can find a range of other delicacies in our article “Veggie-Wiesn: Where can you find which vegan and vegetarian delicacies?“.

 

What to wear to Oktoberfest 2026?

Traditional costume, of course! For women that means Knee-length dirndl, white blouse, apron and heels or flat shoes. Men in lederhosen, (checked) shirt, traditional costume socks, Haferl shoes and possibly a hat. Here you can find out in detail the Traditional costume trends for 2026.
But don’t worry, if you don’t want to buy a dirndl or lederhosen separately, even small accessories such as a traditional hat or a traditional bag can enhance your outfit and make it suitable for the Oktoberfest.

 

How to travel to Oktoberfest 2026?

The Oktoberfest grounds are only a 10-minute walk from Munich Central Station and even shorter with the Munich subway from Theresienwiese station. Drivers should use the Park & Ride parking lots on the outskirts of the city. This way they can avoid possible security detour and the high volume of traffic in the city center.

 

TL;DR:

You should know the following for Oktoberfest 2026:

• Date: September 19, 2026 (tapping at 12 noon) until October 4, 2026
• Highlights & special events:

1. Opening parade (September 19, 2026, 11 a.m.)
2. Official opening with tapping in the Schottenhamel tent (September 19, 2026, 12 noon)
3. Traditional costume and shooting parade (September 20, 2026, 10 a.m.)
4. Gay Sunday in the Festhalle Pschorr-Bräurosl (September 20, 2026)
5. First children’s and family day with reduced prices (September 22, 2026, 12-19 hrs)
6. Italian Weekend (September 26-27, 2026)
7. Free music concert in front of the Bavaria statue (September 26, 2026, 11 a.m.)
8. Prosecco Wiesn in the Fischer-Vroni tent (September 28, 2026, 6 p.m.)
9. Second Children’s and Family Day with reduced prices (September 29, 2026)

• When to visit: If you like it quieter, come during the week and during the day – and secure seats without queuing by reserving a table
• Budget: Free admission; beer approx. 13.60-15.30 € per measure, food 7-30 €, half a chicken ~12 €, souvenirs/attractions extra. Book hotel rooms in good time to avoid peak prices
• Vegetarians/vegans: Allgäu cheese spaetzle, sauerkraut potato noodles, Kaiserschmarrn; vegan options (e.g. celeriac schnitzel, soy medallions)
• Dress code: Dirndl (knee-length, white blouse, apron, flat or heeled) or leather trousers (3/4 length, checked shirt, traditional socks, Haferl shoes/hat). Trachten accessories (hat, bag) enhance the outfit
• Arrival: 10 min. walk to the main station, subway Theresienwiese; car drivers Park & Ride on the outskirts of the city

With these tips, you are well equipped for an unforgettable Oktoberfest in 2026!

 

We hope our answers and tips will help you have a fantastic time at Oktoberfest 2026. Wiesn beginners often can’t understand the hype surrounding the world’s biggest folk festival. But if you go to Oktoberfest with an open-minded attitude, a willingness to make new friends and a thirst for the “world’s best” beer, you have the chance to have the time of your life.